TRAVELLING has changed extensively after the pandemic. In all likelihood, if you are travelling abroad for the first time since 2020, the different rules and regulations may completely overwhelm you.
From trying to learn what the latest Covid-19 restrictions are, to travel insurance requirements to visa and currency exchanges, travelling is a lot more complicated now. I recently travelled to Armenia, and here is a quick summary of everything I learnt.
The smallest of the Trans-Caucasus nation, Armenia is a landlocked country nestled between Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It is the first nation in the world to establish Christianity as its state religion, a fact Armenians would proudly share in any conversation.
From the Pink City of Yerevan – the country’s capital, to the halcyon land of Gyumri, to the deep blue cerulean Lake Sevan, Armenia is a country of many faces and colours. Walking the streets of Armenia is akin to walking through time, as every façade of its city and towns have been carefully preserved through decades.
The author Pablo Neruda once wrote, “I think that Yerevan, which is built from volcanic tuff and is harmonic like a rose, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” Indeed – if you are fortunate enough to travel to the country, you would agree with his sentiment.
Covid-19 restrictions
Armenia is one of the easiest places to travel to under a planet transitioning towards endemicity. The country has removed all Covid-19 restrictions. There are no requirements for a negative PCR or RTK test and you are not required to present a vaccination certificate.
Quarantine measures have also been removed. These rules may change so do keep track of it on the country’s official government site.
However, depending on the airline you are travelling with, customs regulations and the country you will be having your layover, these rules may not apply. For ease of mind, print out a copy of your vaccination certificates and your negative PCR test (taken 24- 48 hours prior to departure).
Other essential information
The e-visa processing time takes up to three working days so do plan accordingly. A 21-day visitor visa costs US$6 (RM26) whereas a 120-day visa costs 30 USD (RM142). I would advise carrying some US dollars and the country’s local currency, Armenian Dram.
That said, there are plenty of exchange rate counters which are easily accessible in the city should you run out.
At the time of publishing, due to the surge of travelling taking place worldwide, there have been reports of luggage being lost and delayed, so clearly indicate your name and address on your baggage in case you run into similar problems.
Be mindful to carry along international adapters as Armenia uses round two-pin attachment plugs.
Travel recommendations
Depending on the length of your stay, there are plenty of places to visit to keep you occupied. For a week-long trip, you could station at Yerevan, and take one of the many day-trip tour guides that are available to other provinces like Gyumri, Tatev, Areni and so on.
Yerevan is a beautiful city in and of itself, and there are plenty of sites to visit. The following are some recommendations of places to add to your list, and they're all walking distance or a scooter ride away from the heart of the city:
Armenian Genocide Museum
The Armenian genocide still lives in the collective memories of its people. Built in 1967, this institution commemorates the massacre of Armenians during the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1922.
Atop a hill, there is a 44m-high spire structure next to a circle of 12 basalt slabs leaning over to guard an eternal flame. The memorial's 12 tilted slabs represent the lost provinces of western Armenia, land lost to Turkey in a post-WWI peace deal between Ataturk and Lenin.
Photographs, documents, and films from the period are used to deliver a deeply profound experience. While the experience will leave you feeling sombre, it is an important site to gain a better understanding of the country and its development.
Matenadaran Museum
Matenadaran named after Mesrop Mashtots is registered in Unesco's World Network of Memory and has been declared “one of the most important places of preservation of national memory and progress.”
It is a major centre of Armenian written culture and functions not only as repository of ancient manuscripts, but also as a center for research. Ancient documents are carefully presented in exhibits to give a general idea of all fields pertaining to Armenian medieval life, from early letters, trade, medicine, and religious texts.
Texts from other parts of the world like Turkey, Iran, and Asia are also on display. Visitors are greeted by giant statues that make up the façade of the building, and a stunning vista of Yerevan.
National Gallery of Armenia
The National Gallery of Armenia is one of the biggest and finest art galleries in the country. It is a massive collection of fifty-six halls presenting works from Europe, Russia, Armenia, and Asia spanning centuries.
Visitors will be able to get acquainted with works by Rodin, Chagall, Kandinsky, Aivazovsky and so many others.
Armenian Opera Theatre
Located in the heart of Yerevan, the Armenian Opera Theatre was designed by Alexaner Tamanyan, and awarded the Grand Prize at the World Exhibition in Paris.
The building officially opened in 1933 and consists of two concert halls: the Aram Khachaturian concert hall with over 1,400 seats and the smaller, but equally magnificent Aleksandr Spendarian Opera and Ballet National Theatre with 1,200 seats.
Since concerts are not so regularly organised, it would require some planning and foresight to attend events here. – The Vibes, August 6, 2022
